At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, among the sea of tech innovations, one device stood out for its ability to change how we interact with digital environments. The Haply MinVerse, a haptic 3D mouse, offers an entirely new way to engage with virtual objects, allowing users to feel surfaces, weight, and resistance as if they were handling real-world materials.
What makes the MinVerse unique?
Unlike a traditional mouse that operates in two dimensions, the MinVerse introduces an additional axis of movement, enabling true 3D interaction. More importantly, it provides haptic feedback, meaning users can physically feel virtual objects as they manipulate them. Developed by Haply Robotics, the MinVerse builds upon the company’s earlier Inverse robot, which was designed for industrial and scientific applications but wasn’t intended for mainstream users. The MinVerse takes that technology and makes it more accessible to creators, engineers, and even gamers.
The device itself is compact, measuring 240mm (9.4 inches) wide, 120mm (4.7 inches) deep, and just 40mm (1.5 inches) tall when folded shut. Despite its unassuming size, its capabilities are extensive. Users can operate it independently or attach it to a standard computer mouse or stylus for more precise control. The design is intuitive, allowing first-time users to get comfortable with it in minutes.
How the MinVerse works
At the heart of the MinVerse is a mechanical system featuring parallel linkage arms, which facilitate smooth 2D motion. However, lifting the device reveals its ability to navigate in three dimensions. This makes digital sculpting, object manipulation, and interactive control far more natural than traditional input devices.
The MinVerse operates at a 4kHz refresh rate, ensuring seamless response times whether users are modeling intricate 3D designs or engaged in gaming. It also features force feedback in the range of 2N to 4N, which is what allows users to physically feel virtual walls, textures, and surfaces. This is particularly significant for professionals working with digital models, as it bridges the gap between visual and tactile interactions.
Applications across industries
The potential uses of the MinVerse extend across multiple industries. For 3D artists and designers, it transforms digital sculpting by providing force feedback, making virtual clay modeling feel much closer to the real thing. Instead of relying solely on visual cues, designers can feel the weight, depth, and resistance of their models, improving precision.
Game developers, particularly those working with tools like Blender and Unity, can benefit from more intuitive asset manipulation and camera control. The tactile feedback allows them to fine-tune character animations and physics interactions with greater accuracy.
Engineers and robotics enthusiasts also have much to gain. The ability to physically sense the movement and resistance of robotic arms or drones makes control more intuitive and precise. This is especially beneficial in fields like remote surgery, where precise haptic feedback can enhance a surgeon’s ability to perform delicate procedures remotely.
Even gamers will find the MinVerse’s capabilities intriguing. The ability to feel tension in a bowstring, the weight of a virtual weapon, or the impact of a hit in a game could add an entirely new dimension to immersive gaming experiences.
Beyond gaming and design
While the MinVerse has clear applications in creative industries, its utility extends further. Imagine being able to train on virtual machinery with realistic haptic responses, providing hands-on learning without the risks associated with operating real equipment. In medical simulations, students could practice procedures with a sense of touch, helping bridge the gap between training and real-world experience.
Similarly, industrial design and product development could see major improvements. Instead of merely visualizing a product’s components, engineers can feel how parts fit together, making virtual prototyping more efficient and accurate.
The MinVerse experience
While haptic technology isn’t new, incorporating it into a compact, consumer-friendly device is a significant step forward. The MinVerse doesn’t just introduce an additional layer of interaction—it fundamentally changes how people engage with digital environments. It brings to input devices what VR headsets brought to digital experiences a decade ago—depth, immersion, and a sense of presence.
Pricing and availability
Haply Robotics is offering the MinVerse on Kickstarter at an early adopter price of $670, targeting professionals in design, animation, gaming, and engineering. Given its advanced capabilities, it’s not positioned as an entry-level device, but rather as a high-end tool for those who require precision and tactile feedback in their digital workflows. As with any crowdfunding campaign, there are inherent risks, including potential changes to development timelines and final product specifications.
The MinVerse comes in a matte-metallic space-grey finish and includes a comprehensive kit with modular attachments. Users can switch between different modes, using it as a stylus, a traditional mouse, or even a VR controller. The device connects via USB-C and features a wireless stylus, with a wireless mouse mode expected in the near future.
Source: Haply Robotics
